(SACRAMENTO/CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, CA – 10/29/2020) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today published a new report examining the lived experiences of American Muslim college students in California and the issues they face, particularly as a consequence of their real or perceived Muslim identities and advocacy efforts.
The report, titled “2019-2020 Campus Climate Report: Islamophobia on College Campuses and its Impact on Muslim Students,” is based on findings from a statewide survey of approximately 570 Muslim students at more than 60 institutions of higher learning primarily throughout the state of California, including both public and private universities and colleges. The report examines these responses and aims to understand the extent to which Islamophobia, the closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims, manifests itself into the campus environment.
The report reveals that nearly 40% of the Muslim students surveyed experienced harassment or discrimination based on their religious identity by peers, campus administrators, and/or campus personnel. Notably, almost 72% of the Muslim students surveyed reported that their schools failed to make statements, accommodations, or otherwise address the effects of significant policy issues impacting their community. Furthermore, 30% of Muslim students surveyed reported harassment or discrimination due to their advocacy on issues related to their Muslim identity. The survey results highlight that Muslim students who engaged in political advocacy on behalf of Palestinian issues were subjected to egregious and persistent forms of harassment and discrimination. Muslim students also reported high levels of discomfort in various campus settings and limitations to their ability to express themselves on issues related to their religious identity.
These survey findings show that while Muslim students have become more visible on campuses, they are still subjected to pervasive stereotypes, microaggressions, harassment, and discrimination due to their religious identity or political advocacy.
To obtain the full report, go to:
“CAIR-CA has continued to fiercely combat anti-Muslim harassment and discrimination through legislative efforts and direct legal services,” said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Managing Attorney Amr Shabaik, the lead editor of the report. “However, Muslim college students report harassment and discrimination at alarmingly high rates, showing a need for college administrators to actively combat Islamophobia on their campuses. Our report provides recommendations and steps administrators can take to address the issues Muslim students may be facing so that all students feel welcome, valued, and respected on all California campuses.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: Outreach and Youth Coordinator Hasna El-Nounou, hel-nounou@cair.com, 916-441-6269
